mollycoddle
UK: ˈmɒl.iˌkɒd.əl | US: ˈmɑː.liˌkɑː.dəl
vt. to treat someone with excessive indulgence or overprotectiveness
n. a person who is pampered or overprotected
mollycoddle = molly<weakling> + coddle<pamper>
- molly: Derived from the name "Molly," a diminutive of "Mary," historically used to denote a timid or effeminate man (early 19th c.).
- coddle: From Middle English codelen, meaning "to boil gently" or "pamper," likely influenced by caudle (a warm medicinal drink).
Etymology Origin:
The word emerged in the early 1800s, combining "Molly" (a colloquial term for a feeble man) with "coddle" (to pamper). It paints a vivid image of overprotecting someone as if they were a fragile, infantilized figure. The blend reflects societal attitudes toward masculinity and care, critiquing excessive softness.
Stop mollycoddling your son—he needs to learn independence.
The coach refused to mollycoddle the athletes, pushing them to their limits.
She grew up mollycoddled by her parents and struggled with adulthood.
Critics accused the school of mollycoddling students by eliminating tough exams.
His reputation as a mollycoddle made him the target of teasing.